3 ways to fine-tune your online dating techniques to meet your match in record time

Dating isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of randomly bumping into an intriguing stranger while meticulously picking out ripe avocadoes in the produce section of the grocery store. And forget about making eye contact with that mysterious someone from across a crowded room who you eventually cross paths with while retrieving your items from coat check on your way out.

And with electronic devices hogging everyone’s attention, causing an increase in neck pain and unplanned trips to the chiropractor’s office, it’s no surprise that serendipitous connections are frequently missed.

Enter in online dating – a virtual realm where singles can match and meet with just a click of a button or quick swipe of a finger. No need to get dressed up and spend money on valet parking, cover charges, or overpriced drinks for the slight chance of meeting someone you may only find halfway interesting.

But this unfettered access to people across time zones, and even large bodies of water, hasn’t made finding a compatible partner any easier. In fact, the paradox of choice has hindered many online daters’ ability to choose. Let’s dive into three ways you can recalibrate your Internet dating search strategy to get the results that you seek.

1) Emphasize What You Want, Not What You Don’t Want

It’s becoming an unsavory trend; singles using their dating profiles to outwardly express their displeasure with the types of people they meet. Although it seems harmless, magnifying your frustrations about past interactions or relationships so publicly only makes you look bitter, angry, and unpleasant to be around. As the saying goes, “you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.” You may give the reader a good chuckle, but negativity is the ultimate prospect repellent. Highlight characteristics that you find appealing and refrain from shining a spotlight on those you don’t.

2) Be Open to Conversations, Not Just Date.

As dating apps and websites have evolved, they have added useful features to get you communicating in real time quicker, while keeping your contact information private. Most apps allow you to make audio calls or video chat with your matches. This means you can feel at ease speaking with as many people as you like without ever exchanging your digits. Take the opportunity to speak with people you may have been on the fence about and see what they’re like. The person you put on the back-burner may just be one of the best conversationalists you’ve met in a long time.

3) Discern Your Negotiables From Non-Negotiables.

Whether it’s written in a journal, on a post-it tucked away inside a book, or simply stored within your brain for safekeeping, most singles in search of meaningful relationships have a laundry list of attributes they want their ideal partner to have. But chances are, not all of those characteristics are essential in establishing a healthy relationship. Sure, you’d prefer to meet someone without pointed ears who doesn’t slurp their soup or drink from a straw, but making “nice-to-haves” as important as “must-haves” may leave you with zero options. Try making those values you hold most dear your non-negotiables instead.